The youngest swimmer who entered, Etienne Jordaan (11 yrs) managed to swim 2 K before the cold water claimed him.

“I will be back next year as I really want to finish the Classic. Marina Martinique is a great place to swim and I also want to swim the Marina Mile in December” said Etienne.

The Cold Water Classic was held at the beach area of the new Infood Blu restaurant at Marina Martinique and all future swims will be held from the new venue.

Kevin Grey won the 7.5 K JBay Cold Water Classic

“We are very happy that we have established a legitimate cold water swim in the Eastern Cape, said event organiser Brenton Williams.

“Cold water is regarded as being sub 15 degrees C and with an average water temperature of 12.5 degrees, Marina Martinique will grow in stature as a cold water swimming venue during the winter months”, added Williams.

The opening function of the JBay Winter Fest was held at the Marina right after the swim and the festival was officially opened by Councillor Benjamin, who said she had a huge amount of respect for all the swimmers who took part in the swim.

The Cold Water Classic forms part of the Jbay Winter Fest, a multi sport event taking place in Jeffreys Bay over the next week. The Jbay Open of Surfing JBay is the primary event of the festival.